automobile traffic and leps!

[Andrew Warren]

I just got the 15 Feb. issue of the Journal of the Lepidopterists'
Society.  A remarkable study was published by Duane D. Mckenna, Katherine
M. Mckenna, Stephen B. Malcom, and May R. Berenbaum, entitled "Mortality
of Lepidoptera along roadways in central Illinois."  I encourage all of
you to read this!  I will quote a few numbers they present (p. 66-67):

"According to our estimates, the number of Lepidoptera killed along
interstates in Illinois during this week could have been more than
500,000, the number killed along highways could have been more than
5,000,000, and the number of Lepidoptera killed along other roads could
have been more then 15,000,000.  In total, the number of Lepidoptera
killed by automobiles was estamated at more than 20,000,000 individuals in
this seven-day period.  
Using similar methods, we estimated the potential number of monarch
butterflies killed during week.  According to our estimates, in Illinois
in one week during this study may have been more than 500,000."  

I am sure this will be a very frequently cited study for years to come!

Best,

Andy Warren



 
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